Europe’s largest resort will host the Portugal Invitational from 27 July-2 August
Madrid, Spain – John Calvão, Fund Principal at Arrow Global, Isolete Correia, Vilamoura’s CEO and the Algarve Tourism Board announced at FITUR (International Tourism Trade Fair) in Madrid further details surrounding the addition of a PGA Tour Champions event to its 2026 sporting calendar, marking a major step forward in Portugal’s capability to host elite international sporting events.
Information on the respective events was presented at one of the world’s flagship tourism trade fairs, which is held annually in Madrid, bringing together global destinations, tourism boards, investors and industry leaders from across the travel, sport and hospitality sectors.
The Portugal Invitational will be held at the Els Club Vilamoura, which opened in July as the first and only private members club in the Algarve, and will make history as the first ever PGA Tour Champions event hosted in Europe on a five-year deal (2026-2030).
With a prize purse of $3,000,000, 78 players will tee off in a 54-hole stroke play event from 27 July – 2 August, 2026, including a Pro-Am designed to provide fans with the unique opportunity for personal access to Hall of Fame golfers such as Bernard Langer and Padraig Harrington.
André Gomes, President of Tourism of Algarve, said: “The confirmation of the Portugal Invitational reinforces the capacity of the Algarve and Vilamoura to host elite sporting events with strong international projection and a meaningful impact on the destination’s visibility.
“These competitions enhance strategic assets such as golf as a complementary product, contributing to audience diversification and to the year-round activation of the destination, in line with the strategy to consolidate the Algarve as a competitive destination.”
John Calvão, Fund Principal at Arrow Global confirmed: “We are transforming Vilamoura into a destination of excellence for major international sporting events, creating the conditions that position it not just as a venue, but as a complete, high-quality experience.
“By bringing together real estate, hospitality, elite sports infrastructure and a distinctive leisure offering, we have turned Vilamoura into a full-year destination and a reference at an international level. None of this would be possible without the consistent support and close collaboration of the Portuguese Tourism Board and the Algarve Tourism Board.”
The increased elite international sporting presence within Portugal looks to build on the strong platform and demand already set; golf has long since been a significant part of the Portuguese tourism economy, with the industry responsible for more than €4.2 billion, supporting over 110,000 jobs.
Totalling 91 courses across the nation and a combined 1,467 holes, Portugal has recently been named World’s Best Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards, and golf rounds bookings have been increasing year after year, with an all-time high of 2.17 million having been registered in 2024.
Within this, the Algarve plays an influential role, attracting 62% of the international rounds played, well-established as the nations leading region, due to its 300 days of sun allowing for multiple peak times between March and April, and September and November.
The regions 200km of sandy beaches and renowned culinary specialities, along with a rich culture and heritage, and plethora of alternative sports and leisure options contribute to the fact that 73% of the resort’s guests are international.
At the heart of the Algarve’s golden triangle lies Vilamoura, Europe’s largest resort, which includes championship golf courses, two award-winning Marina’s, one of which is the largest in the country, as well as further state-of-the art sports & leisure assets.
Vilamoura’s partnership with the Algarve Tourism Board adds a further dimension to the destination’s transformation that is taking place.
In a similar fashion, the Portugal Invitational places Vilamoura at the centre of the European golfing landscape, setting a new benchmark and bringing together industry leaders, top international brands, and expansive media exposure, tapping into new global markets through the tour’s extensive television coverage.
With this, Arrow Global, through its investment in Vilamoura and its management company DETAILS, is driving a long-term strategy to elevate the destination as a year-round sports and lifestyle hub. In addition to hosting international events, investments span key assets including the marina, extensive golf course revitalisations such as the historic Old Course, and the attraction of leading international brands as Hyatt Regency, reinforcing Vilamoura’s global appeal. This event and development form part of a broader vision to create a vibrant, sustainable destination that thrives 365 days a year, blending world-class sport, leisure and lifestyle experiences.
Through the introduction of this event, another dimension is being added to what is one of the biggest ongoing sports projects in the world, showcasing Portugal as a nation that is ready and capable of hosting the most important international sporting events on the world stage.
ENDS
Image Captions:
- Ernie Els (pictured) at the launch of the Els Club Vilamoura in July 2025.
- John Calvao (Arrow Global Group Fund Principal) presented in-depth detail on the Portugal Invitational project at FITUR Madrid.
- Vilamoura’s partnership with the Algarve tourism board has furthered excitement surrounding the developmet of Europe’s largest resort town.
- David Duval (centre) and Colin Montgomerie (right) will be two of golf’s biggest stars set to compete at the Portugal Invitational in July.
To download high-resolution images, please click here.
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About Arrow Global
Arrow Global, founded in 2005 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, is a leading European vertically integrated alternative asset manager, specialising in credit and real estate.
The Group identifies, acquires and manages credit portfolios as well as real estate assets, primarily originating from banks and financial institutions. Arrow Global operates under regulatory frameworks across several of the eight Western European countries in which it is present, currently managing €112 billion in assets and employing more than 4,400 people. Since 2020, the Group’s asset acquisitions have been carried out through its Investment Funds division, which focuses on investing not only in Credit and Real Estate, but also in Hospitality and Tourism. In Portugal, through Arrow Global Portugal, in addition to direct investments in Real Estate and Credit made since 2013, the Group holds direct or indirect shareholdings in Norfin SGOIC and Norfin Serviços (Real Estate), Whitestar (NPLs), Restart Capital (Private Equity), Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure (Hospitality Operations), Hefesto (Credit Securitisation), Nexor (Affordable Housing), CredImediato (Credit Intermediation), and more recently From (Commercialisation and Activation of the Group’s Real Estate Assets). Arrow Global also holds significant investments in high-profile assets such as Tróia, Vilamoura, Palmares, Aroeira, Monte Rei and Vale Pisão, among others.
www.arrowglobal.net
About Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a master planner of the popular resort destination in the Algarve, brimming with exciting projects set to make it an even more attractive place to visit, live, and invest in. From new sport and leisure facilities to tourist and residential properties, including innovative real estate projects such as Botanica, Natura Village, Springs at the Els Club, Terracota, Nobilus, Zestia, Mouragolfe, and The Uncommon Beach residences, an abundance of brand-new amenities will supplement the destination’s beautiful scenic landscape. An award-winning Marina, a new marina built in 2024, endless beaches, world class sport facilities including five championship golf courses, the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to host a five-star event in 2026, hotels, in addition to high-quality education and health facilities, are some of the features only Vilamoura can offer. For more information on Vilamoura’s assets, please visit: https://www.vilamouraworld.com/
About Turismo de Portugal
Integrated into the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Ministry of Economy and the Sea, Tourismo de of Portugal is the National Tourism Authority responsible for the promotion, enhancement, and sustainability of tourism activities. It consolidates all institutional competencies related to stimulating tourism in a single entity, from supply to demand. With a privileged relationship with other public entities and economic agents, both in the country and abroad, Tourismo de of Portugal is committed to fulfilling its mission of strengthening tourism as one of the pillars of growth for the Portuguese economy.
Info: turismodeportugal.pt
About Turismo de Algarve
The Algarve Tourism Board (Região de Turismo do Algarve) is the regional tourism authority, endowed with administrative and financial autonomy. It covers an area corresponding to the 16 municipalities of the Algarve. Its mission is to promote the development of tourism in the Algarve through the improvement and qualification of the territory and the promotion of the region as a tourist destination, in cooperation with the public and private sectors, for the benefit of the economy and quality of life in the region and the country as a whole. Its activities focus on strategic planning, product structuring, tourist promotion and entertainment, tourist information through its network of 20 tourist offices, as well as the management of the Algarve brand.
Info: www.turismodoalgarve.pt
